Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Bridgeport Series I verse Series II CNC Refit Candidates

jacoby01 wrote:

>I'm looking at both a Bridgeport Series I and a Series II 3-axis CNC
>machines as candidates for refitting with most probably Mach2 software
>and Gecko servo drivers.
>
>The Series I machine looks very similar to those that Roland Friestad
>has featured in the Home Shop Machinist series - except the electronic
>display is enclosed in a fiberglass housing and mounted on the front of
>the head.
>
>The Series II machine, again it is already a 3-axis CNC machine -
>original from the factory, but with "roached" electronics - looks like
>a normal Series II, but with one major exception - it has dual heads
>and the heads are mounted on a vertical T-slot table. This particular
>machine looks like it was set up for production, before the days of
>automatic tool changers (the machine is approximately 1980 vintage).
>I've got a picture of this machine, but can't figure out how to post it.
>
>Now the question: Any thoughts on which of these two machines is a
>better candidate for conversion? The Series II is actually cheaper and
>looks to be more machine for the money. But, I'm afraid that I don't
>know enough about converting Bridgeports and I don't want to later find
>out that, "Nobody refits the Series II machines because ...!"
>
>

If you have the room, and the condition of the ways and ballscrews are
similar,
then go for the big one. The X travel on the series I BOSS machines is
quite
a bit shorter than on the manual machines, about 18". If either machine has
badly worn ways, I would advise against that one. You have to consider the
work you are likely to do, though. You may never plan to work on pieces
bigger than a 6" cube, so maybe the smaller is just a better fit to your
work. if you plan to make large panels, then maybe the larger is very much
in order. Also, the Series II has a much beefier spindle and more powerful
motor (except that some Series-II bases with multiple spindles use Series-I
heads. So, check if the head is a 2J or 3J.)

>
>

There is no reason one would choose one over the other related to the
"retrofit-
ability." Many people don't have the floor space, or the ceiling
height, or the
lifting capacity for the Series-II. I think that's the main reason the
Series-I is
more popular for the home shop. I wish *I* had the headroom for a
Series-II,
myself.

Jon